President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Government’s Open-Border Policy will not undermine Ghana’s economy as measures put in place will facilitate and encourage Ghanaian businesses to be more competitive in sub-region and beyond.

According to the President, a fundamental part of Government’s strategy for growth is for Ghana to strongly engage with the process of regional and continental integration.

This, he said, “is the reason that government has taken the decision to open all our borders to operate for twenty-four hours. This will boost trade and tourism to reap the economic benefits.”

President Akufo-Addo made these observations, Wednesday, when he delivered a speech at the graduation parade of the Immigration Service Officer Cadet intake 9 at Immigration Academy and Training School at Assin Fosu.

According to the President, the opening of Ghana's borders was to give true meaning to the ECOWAS Protocols on Free Movement of Goods and Persons. This, the President asserted, would spur on progress and prosperity for all.

“That is why, since 8th June, 2017, the Aflao border post has been running for 24 hours, and same has been extended to Akanu and Segbe border posts. In due course, Elubo, Sampa, Golokrom, Hamile and Paga will follow.”

President Akufo-Addo said Government was mindful of the security threats and challenges associated with the open-border policy- the growing threat of terrorism in the region.

He assured Ghanaian that “our security agencies are alert, and are coordinating effectively with its counterparts in neighbouring countries.

President Akufo-Addo commended the Immigration Service for playing its role in the effort in providing critical and vital intelligence to manning Ghana's borders rigorously.

Despite the efforts in keeping Ghana's borders safe by Ghana's security agencies, smuggling of goods and products is on the increase.

The President urged the officers of the Immigration Service to be vigilant in assisting to combat this scourge, and help bring the perpetrators of these crimes to book.

“I am determined that our open-border policy will not lead to the undermining of our economy, and I need your support to ensure that,” he added.

President Akufo-Addo noted that issues of migration have remained critical in national, regional, continental and global discussions, adding, “these issues have cost Presidents and Prime Ministers to lose elections, in some countries.”

“Immigration has been tied to global security, especially within the growing threats of terrorism. The fear of attacks is driving a growing link between anti-terror measures and immigration policy,” the President noted.

Adding, “at the same time, immigration has been proven to be a strong developmental tool of many countries, playing key roles in the rapid expansion of their economies.”

To the graduating class, the President noted that they are entering the service at a critical time of its development.

“The training you have received will assist you greatly in the discharge of your duties, and also in helping to realise the vision of the Immigration Service. I urge you to maintain high levels of discipline, and strive not to compromise on your professional ethics. Diligence, integrity and honesty must be your watchwords,” he added.